With the focus firmly on the recent injury to Jurrien Timber and the potential replacement that could come in, there’s a growing fear, at least there is for me, that Arsenal might miss out on Mohammed Kudus. The Ghanaian international had been linked with a move to the club but the most likely destination is West Ham right now as they seek a replacement for the Man City-bound Lucas Paqueta.
Arsenal are preoccupied with outgoings with a bloated squad that needs to be trimmed. It is a frustration that Kudus might no longer either be gettable or even on the Gunners’ radar at this stage of the window. The forward line is in need of reinforcement, particularly on the right flank where options to bring competition to Bukayo Saka remain slim.
With that in mind, football.london takes a look at three potential alternatives to Kudus. Although he would be the ideal candidate, he is not the only one.
Nico Williams
The Athletic Club winger is accessible thanks to a £42.8million release clause in his contract. That said, there have been suggestions that the Spain international could sign a new deal so the Gunners might have a timeline to abide by to get the deal done.
Williams has risen to a level whereby he’s gaining momentum with the Spanish national side now too. His six goals and five assists in La Liga last season brought him notoriety and he was with the squad for the World Cup.
He can play on either flank but the majority of his time is spent on the right. Meaning he would be a natural competitor to Bukayo Saka, although he is right-footed meaning stylistically there would be differences.
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Adam Hlozek
A player previously linked with a move to Arsenal is Adam Hlozek. The exciting Czech international moved to Bayer Leverkusen where he has continued his development in one of Europe’s elite leagues.
He’s already kicked off the new season with two goals and an assist in the first round of the DFB Pokal. This follows on from a debut season haul of five goals and four assists in the German first division.
His primary role has been a central one, however, he developed with plenty of minutes in the wide areas of the field at Sparta Prague. At 21, he still has plenty of improvement to come too and could be an exciting option.
Pedro Neto
Lastly, is another player previously linked heavily with a move to Arsenal, Pedro Neto. The Wolves winger was on the radar prior to the arrival of Leandro Trossard and likely was moved on from due to a serious injury keeping the Portuguese international out for the majority of last season.
His performance in the first game of the new campaign at Manchester United was praised and perhaps Neto is on the road to becoming a better player than ever. What Wolves would want for him remains to be seen and there would certainly be a level of risk associated with the move perhaps higher than other targets.